Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing

Brainmapping & Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing for Kids!

At the Integrative Medical Institute (IMI) we can help to optimize mind and brain function. By completing biological tests for nutritional levels and by correcting any deficiencies and imbalances we can enhance cognitive and mental function. With the use of quantified electro-technology and neurofeedback we can facilitate the retraining of the brain for optimal peak performance in many areas of your life.

Brainmapping/Quantative EEG

qEEG uses complex mathematical and statistical tools to compare your brain’s electrical activity to that of thousands of other individuals who do not have any known neurological, developmental or psychiatric disorders. Through this comparison, information can be gathered about brain function and communication providing insight into problems with anxiety, mood, behavior, and/or learning. Unlike the conventional chemical model of brain function, the EEG (electroencephalogram) deals with the brain as a bioelectric organ, studying the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex more commonly known as ‘brainwaves’. A more advanced version of the EEG, the Quantitative EEG (qEEG) converts the brainwaves into a digital form so that they can be compared to other healthy individuals, thereby allowing brain patterns to emerge. The advanced process of the qEEG also allows for a topographical display of the brain’s electrical activity, commonly known as ‘brain mapping’.

Brain mapping can help to understand a variety of neuro-developmental disorders, including the following:

ADHD/ADD

Learning Disorders

Behavioral Issues

Anxiety

Depression

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Eating Disorders

Addictive Disorders

Using the quantitative EEG provides information about the relationship between abnormalities within the brain’s electrical function and the many disorders of behavior, emotion, thinking, learning, and development.

Neurofeedback

Building off of the information gathered through the qEEG, the neurofeedback process is used to correct the abnormalities identified through the brainmapping process. Neurofeedback is a biofeedback procedure which aims to renormalize the functions of the brain and central nervous system. Using the qEEG results as a guide for the brain’s abnormalities, the neurofeedback procedure aims to train brainwaves toward optimal brain function. The neurofeedback procedure is done using electrodes which are connected to cap worn on the patient’s head. Neurofeedback directly addresses many common mental disorders by catering to certain brainwaves and patterns. Over a series of session, the neurofeedback corrections are long-lasting, even permanent, allowing for the decrease and even elimination of many pathological conditions and disorders.

Along with the ability to diminish or even eliminate many conditions, there are other benefits to engaging in the neurofeedback procedure including:

Optimize cognitive performance and motor skills

Increase impulse control

Increase attention span and focus

Diminish hyperactivity

Normalize sleep

educe irritability and mood swings

Imi’s provides interactive and engaging neurofeedback protocols for kids via interactive games and movies. We work individually with each patient to create a personalized treatment protocol based on their specific needs.

Psychological Testing

The purpose of a psychological evaluation is to determine what is happening in a child’s psychological life that may be affecting the child’s ability to behave (or feel) in a more appropriate and constructive manner. Psychological testing may not necessarily pinpoint the precise cause of the disturbance, especially if it is a complex emotional issue, but it may give a number of clues that can help the parent and the professional guide the child in the right direction. In some cases there are more specific areas of concern, such as dyslexia or a learning disability, and neuropsychological testing may then be the next step.

Generally, a full battery of psychological tests can take several hours to administer (often administered to a child in several one to one and a half hour time periods to avoid fatigue and opposition). Afterward, it may take several more hours for the professional to score, interpret as a whole picture of the individual and to write in a report suitable form for healthcare professionals to use in developing a treatment plan.

Occasionally, it may be determined that only a few tests from the full battery need to be administered to pin point or rule out a particular problem and thus, avoid an unnecessarily lengthy procedure.

The results should yield a wealth of information useful to the parent, educational institution or other professionals to make the child/adolescent’s (or occasionally an adult’s) emotional, educational and/or vocational life more healthy, satisfying and successful.

Neuropsychological Testing

Neuropsychological tests measure memory, concentration, visual-spatial, problem solving, counting, and language skills. This type of testing is performed to diagnose a brain disorder or disease, to monitor the progress of someone who is being treated for these types of conditions, or to screen for developmental delays or learning disorders in children.

For example, people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury or stroke, or are exhibiting signs of dementia, such as possible Alzheimer’s disease, are given standardized neuropsychological tests to evaluate their mental abilities.

Benefits of a Neuropsychological Assessment

Neuropsychological assessment is an evaluation of cognition, mood, personality, and behavior that is conducted by a specialist in brain-behavior relationships. Such an evaluation usually includes a formal interview, a review of medical and/or educational/vocational records, interviews of significant others (as necessary), and neuropsychological testing using standardized neuropsychological instruments.

Particularly unique to this process is that it quantifies a patient’s higher cortical functioning that may include various aspects of attention, memory, speed of information processing, language, visuospatial ability, sensory processing, motor ability, higher-order executive functioning, and intelligence.

Academic Testing

IMI is committed to helping their patients succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Our team integrates feedback acquired from the school, parents, family members and student/patient in order to develop an integrative and comprehensive treatment plan. Academic Assessments and tests are often a useful tool in helping to address and treat a student’s behavior, IQ, learning abilities, and cognitive function, in order to apply an appropriate educational model based on their needs.

Please contact us to inquire about specific academic test and panels that IMI offers.

Neuropsychological Testing For Diagnosis & Treatment

We prefer to use natural biological remedies when possible coupled with our work with the child and family. Our team approach includes education, teaching family about health related issues as well as effective methods of interventions that can be used at home that would enhance optimal health and performance.

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The Integrative Medical Institute of Orange County is a comprehensive patient sensitive center geared toward providing the best traditional and non-traditional services available. Our services include comprehensive holistic and preventative health care. We believe that early identification and intervention is key to a healthy long life.